any splendid thoughts?

Well, I have finished reading A Thousand Splendid Suns. I guess it is really difficult for a writer of a terrific, much-loved novel to turn around and WOW readers again. I am a fan of Kite Runner, so my expectations for the author's second novel may have been high, as Kite Runner was terrific. So, readers, such as this one probably approached this second novel with trepidation. Hosseini has aimed high with his second novel. I have to admit that I liked the idea of this novel more than I actually enjoyed the novel. I had problems with Hosseini's writing this time out. Mainly I felt that these characters were cardboard-y. He tells a gripping story, conveying 30 years of Afghan history; readers learn the endurance of the women facing enormous oppression. The unbelievably tragic story, filled with graphic violence, is definitely an eye-opener: the war-torn story that unfolds is of two women survive tremendous odds. at times Hosseini seemed heavy-handed and preachy; at times, he merely seemed rushed. Kite Runner is a subtle novel, with depth and style that rarely slowed down; though an interesting novel that offers a big slice of history, A Thousand Splendid Suns, unfortunately, feels a bit contrived and manipulative. Looking foorward to many thoughts about this novel...splendid or otherwise.